Car dealer donates LoJack systems to Long Beach Police Department

LONG BEACH - Auto dealer Henry Caruso donned his Santa cap a little early this year with a donation of eight new state-of-the-art computers used to track stolen vehicles to the Long Beach Police Department.

The gift of LoJack Police Tracking systems couldn't come at a better time as the city has seen a 15.6 percent increase in auto thefts from January to November of this year, said Sgt. Aaron Eaton, a Long Beach Police Department spokesman.

Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Mayor Bob Foster expressed their gratitude to Caruso, who owns Pacific Ford in Long Beach. Officials noted the gift not only serves victims of car thieves, it also saves local taxpayers the hefty price of equipping additional police department cars.

"Partnering with Pacific Ford affords us the opportunity to increase our number of LoJack-equipped vehicles to 35, (and) at no cost to the taxpayers."

The LoJack systems send silent signals from small radio transceivers hidden in cars, SUVs and trucks equipped with the technology. The signals are so precise LBPD cars and helicopters use the signals to direct officers to the stolen vehicle, Eaton said.

LoJack systems can also be used to track motorcycles and construction equipment, the sergeant said.

In addition to the LoJack computers, the Police Department conducts numerous special operations targeting auto thefts and similar crimes.

Authorities, however, still need the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity or people by calling 911, Eaton stressed.

Police said vehicle owners should also:

Always close and lock all doors and windows;

Purchase an alarm or other anti-theft device;

Never leave a vehicle running, or the keys in the ignition, unattended, even if you will only be gone for a minute.

If you have a garage, use it, keep it closed and locked;

Report auto thefts immediately. Make sure you have the make/model/license plate and vehicle identification number handy.